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Conservation priorities for harlequin frogs (Atelopus spp.) of Peru

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2005

Stefan Lötters ,
Rainer Schulte ,
Jesús H. Córdova  and
Michael Veith
Stefan Lötters
Affiliation:
Mainz University, Zoology Department, Saarstrasse 21, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
Rainer Schulte
Affiliation:
Instituto de Investigación Biológica de las Cordilleras Orientales (INIBICO), Tarapoto, Peru.
Jesús H. Córdova
Affiliation:
Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Apdo. 14-0434, Lima 14, Peru.
Michael Veith
Affiliation:
Mainz University, Zoology Department, Saarstrasse 21, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
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Abstract

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Populations of harlequin frogs Atelopus are declining throughout their geographical range. In Peru six of the 11 nominally described species are Critically Endangered, and there are at least 17 undescribed additional forms (all representing apparently distinct species), the conservation status of which is unknown. Most Atelopus taxa in Peru have relatively small geographical ranges, some known only from single populations, and have only a limited chance of survival. Conservation will require: (1) improvement of the faunistic and taxonomic knowledge of the genus, (2) field surveys, including in remote areas, (3) assessment of all species and populations for chytridiomycosis and research on the agent's biology, (4) ex situ conservation measures to facilitate later reintroduction, and (5) involvement of national and international conservationists and local people.

Keywords

Amphibian declineAtelopuschytridiomycosisfaunisticsPerutaxonomy
Type
Short Communication
Information
Oryx , Volume 39 , Issue 3 , July 2005 , pp. 343 - 346
Copyright
© 2005 Fauna & Flora International